Strato Chief, Laurentian and Parisienne: A Brief History of the Maple Ponchos

As I have been taking a keen interest in Canada lately, I thought I’d do a brief piece of Canadian motoring history, and this is it.

When built during the mid 1950s to the early 1970s, Canadian Pontiacs looked very much like their American brothers, but underneath, that’s where the similarities end, as Pontiacs in Canada were fitted with Chevrolet drivetrains and chassis.  The very intention of combining Pontiac exterior designed body shells with economical Chevrolet underpinnings proved to be a very profitable move for GM of Canada, and became possibly one of Canada’s most successful motoring contributions.

Also, unlike their American brothers, the Canadian Pontiacs were more economical, weighed less and weren’t as big (hence the hidden Chevrolet components) which proved to very efficient in countries outside North America, particularly fellow Commonwealth countries (as Canada is a Commonwealth country itself) such as Australia, where they were assembled by Holden, New Zealand and even the UK. These cars were never sold in the United States.

The Canadian Pontiac line-up consisted of the bottom-range Strato Chief, mid-range Laurentian and top-range Parisienne and Grande Parisienne.

Below are the top-of-the-line Parisiennes ranging from 1958 to 1969, showcasing a true example of Canadian motoring history.

1958 Parisienne Sport Coupe

1959 Parisienne Sport Coupe

1960 Parisienne Convertible

1961 Parisienne Convertible

1962 Parisienne Convertible

1963 Parisienne Hardtop Coupe

1964 Parisienne Sedan

1965 Parisienne Convertible

1966 Parisienne Hardtop Coupe

1967 Parisienne Hardtop Sedan

1968 Parisienne Hardtop Sedan

1969 Parisienne Hardtop Sedan

 

 

 

Early Electrics: Columbia

 

Founded in Hartford, Connecticut in 1899 by Brevet lieutenant-colonel Albert Augustus Pope of the Pope Manufacturing Company, Columbia was essentially the Rolls-Royce of the electric car world, manufacturing some of the grandest and most elegant electric-powered cars in the industry; even Queen Alexandra of Denmark’s daughter-in-law had one. Also at one point, during the company’s lifetime, a Columbia was the best selling car in the United States, selling over an exceedence of 1000 units, making it also the first car to achieve that feat. The company’s life was short however, as the company ceased manufacturing in 1910.

The founder, Colonel Albert Augustus Pope.

 

Hartford, Connecticut. Where Columbia was founded in 1899.

One of the company’s most famous products, the MkXXXV (35) Landaulet, built in 1899, and powered by dual direct-drive Edison DC (dual currant) electric motors. The only surviving example (seen here) was sold by RM Auctions in Monterey for a staggering $550,000.

A 1901 Victoria Phaeton. Formerly owned by Alexandra of Denmark’s daughter-in-law.

A 1903 Electric Runabout. These were among the best selling cars in the United States in the  1900s, as well as being the first car in the industry to exceed sales in the 1000 mark.

 

 

Best of British: Austin-Healey

In 1952, a collaboration between the Austin Motor Company and sports car designer Donald Healey resulted in one of the most archetypal and most iconic brands of British sports car ever to grace the roads and open highways. Austin-Healey was also one of those less-is-more type manufacturers of sports cars, as the only models they built consisted of the brutish and hairy-chested 100/4, 100/6, and 3000, or the Big Healeys as they were famously dubbed in order to distinguish them from the smaller and affordable Sprite. Eventually, however, the partnership between Donald Healey and Austin completely fell apart at the seam after the formation of British Leyland.

Donald Healey

Making its debut at the 1952 London Motor Show, the 100 was so called in reference to its capability of reaching a 100mph (160km/h) top speed. This particular model, the BN2, had slightly higher wheel arches than the BN1, and unlike the BN1, could be ordered with two-tone paint.

First conceived in 1954 as a road-going race car, the 100S (S for Sebring, in reference to the Sebring 12 Hour Race in Florida) was the most powerful four-cylinder Big Healey of them all, with a 132 horsepower output at a staggering 4700rpm. Lightness was one of the car’s fortes, as it also featured an aluminium-body. Rarity is another, as only 50 of these road racers were built.

Launched in 1955, the high-performance 100M (M for Modified) is arguably the most desirable of all the four-cylinder Big Healeys. Like the rest of the 100 range, the M was fitted with a 2.6 litre engine, but this time with larger carburettors and a high-lift camshaft, resulting in a power increase to 110. The 100M also had stiffened suspension, an anti-roll bar, and had louvres added to the bonnet as well as a strap in order for better cooling.

The 100/4 BN2 Coupe was a five-off special designed by United States Army officer Ralph T. Boothe. Because coupes, fastbacks and other hardtop-roofed cars were all the rage in his native California at the time, Ralph, who had ordered the car in its original convertible body style whilst he was stationed in Germany in 1956, wanted to turn it into what it is now: A fastback coupe. The example you see here was sold at Amelia Island Auctions in March this year for a huge margin of $94,000.

In 1956, after the 100/4, came the 100/6, with an oval-shaped grill, and powered by a tuned version of BMC’s 2.6 litre straight six. The first 100/6, the BN4, had 102 horsepower and a 2+2 seating arrangement. There was no difference in the top speed, however, as the six-cylinder engine was heavier than the four, and thus lumped the car’s capability of reaching a higher top speed than its four-pot predecessor. Austin-Healey resolved this matter in 1957 with the release of the two-seater BN6 (seen above). The addition of twin SU HD6 carbs, and a new cylinder head with larger valves, of which increased the compression ratio, resulted in a 15 horsepower escalation to 117. And so it was that the 100/6’s performance was vastly improved. 

Launched in 1958, as a cut-price sports car, was the Mk1 Sprite, famously dubbed the ‘Frogeye’ or ‘Bugeye’, in reference to its distinctive exterior. Powered by BMC’s 948cc A-Series four-cylinder motor putting out 43bhp, this was a sports car that proved performance was not always a necessity when driving one, especially when its looks were like no other sports car out there.

The most famous of the Big Healeys (and last), the 3000, launched in 1959, was equipped with a 2.9 litre version of BMC’s C-Series straight six engine, of which this particular model, the MkIII BJ8, equipped with sub-unit HD8 carburettors and higher camshaft, was the most powerful of, pumping out 150bhp, making it also the most powerful Austin-Healey road car to date. Also, like the Big Healeys before it, the 3000 had a transmission that included overdrive.

The 3000 also made for a very successful competition car, of which its most notable victory was at the Spa-Sofia-Liège rally in 1964.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectruckular Marques: Kenworth

Founded in 1912 by brothers George T. Gerlinger and Louis Gerlinger Jr. , Kenworth has proven itself over the years to be a leading manufacturer of Class 8 trucks. Originally known as The Gerlinger Motor Car Works, the names of two stock takers that bought the company in 1917, Captain Frederick Kent and Edgar K. Worthington, were combined to form the name Kenworth,  and so thus, Kenworth it came to be, a name that would become renown for producing some of the most robust, durable, reliable, and toughest trucks ever to hit the roads and highways.

Portland, Oregon. Where the company was founded as the Gerlinger Motor Car Works in 1912.

Kirkland, Washington. Where Kenworth’s main headquarters are located.

Bayswater, Victoria. Where Kenworth’s Australian headquarters are located.

One of the first trucks to roll off the production line under the name of Kenworth in 1923.

Kenworth builds the first trucks in the industry to be sold with a diesel engine as standard, along with the industry’s first sleeper cabs, in 1933.

After the Attack of Pearl Harbour in 1942, America’s involvement in the Second World War became highly imminent. Kenworth made their contributions to the war effort by producing heavy-duty six-wheel drive wreckers such as this 580, for example, and even made components for the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in 1943.

In 1944, Kenworth was bought by businessman Paul Pigott and became a division of the industry giant PACCAR, or Pacific Car and Foundry as it was known back then.

The company’s 523 model line-up, introduced in 1946, were the first to be produced after the war. The 523 COE was Kenworth’s first major contribution to the cab-over sector.

Launched in the mid 1950s, the 900 series was another one of Kenworth’s first post-war offerings. 3,000 of them were supplied to the Yukon for oil exploration purposes.

In 1962, the first Kenworths to be sold in Australia were the S-925s, of which were imported from the USA by two Australian businessmen Ed Cameron and George Blomfield.

The K100 was Kenworth’s next contribution to the cab-over sector, after the 523 COE.

The K-125CR cab-over. The first Kenworth to be fully built in Australia.

Originally launched in the mid 1960s, the classic W900 became an instant Kenworth icon and is still being built today. This particular model is a 1974 W924AR with an extended bonnet, powered by a Detroit Diesel 12V-71 two-stroke engine delivering 475 horsepower, 1762 newton-metres of torque, and mated to an Eaton 13-speed overdrive transmission.

The SAR, acronym for Short bonnet, Australian, Right hand drive, a model that was the step in the right direction for Kenworth in the Australian market when first launched in 1975. Also the first model to be fully designed in the country.

Kenworth introduces its revolutionary Aerodyne sleeper cab in 1976.

A K100E, customized to look like the Decepticon sub-group Stunticon leader Motormaster from the Transformers franchise.

When introduced in the mid 1980s, the T600, nicknamed ‘Anteater’ in reference to it’s sloping presence, shifted Kenworth into the aerodynamic sector of the industry. This is the T600A, featuring the company’s iconic Aerodyne sleeper cab.

The T650, launched in 1987, was a key contributor to the Australian road train sector in the industry, for its capability of hauling loads across the remote areas of the Australian outback.

After the T650, Kenworth launched the iconic T950 in 1992. With its tough presence and extremely powerful motor, the T950 has become a firm favourite in the Australian trucking industry, whilst further maintaining Kenworth’s reputation.

In 1996, Kenworth introduced the T2000, an aerodynamically proportioned prime mover that set new standards for the industry in style and comfort.

The Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame. Located in Alice Springs, the museum was first opened in 2005, and has since payed homage to Kenworth’s rich history in Australia.

The T660 moved Kenworth further into the aerodynamic sector after its 2007 launch.

Introduced in 2010 for the Australian market, the K200 is the company’s latest flagship cab-over, setting high standards for comfort, efficiency, and power.

The T700 is Kenworth’s latest contribution to the aerodynamic sector, and has been described as the most spacious and aerodynamic model built by the company.

To celebrate 25 years of the company’s W900L, of which was launched in 1979 with an 130″ wheelbase and extended sleeper cab, Kenworth released a special limited edition model. Dubbed the ICON900, it made its debut at the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectruckular Marques: Scammell

Starting out as a coach-building firm in the late Victorian-era, Scammell, after the First World War, became one of the most forward-thinking English manufacturers of commercial vehicles, producing some of the most unique, most spectacular commercial vehicles ever to have been conceived in the history of UK vehicle manufacturing. Sadly, however, the company folded in the late 1980s, resulting in another English manufacturer of commercial vehicles plunging into the depths of history. But, legendary status has ensured that said manufacturer of commercial vehicles will not be forgotten.

Tolpits Lane, West Watford, Hertfordshire. Where Scammell vehicles were manufactured from 1922 to 1988, before the factory was transformed into a housing estate, which it is today.

Scammell’s first model, a six-wheeled articulated 4×2 unit manufactured in the early 1920s.

In 1929, Scammell produced the chain-driven, heavily-constructed 100-ton prime mover. Powered by a 7.1 litre petrol engine, it was, at the time, claimed by the public as the largest truck in the world.

Originally launched in 1927, the Pioneer served as the British Army’s artillery tractor, recovery vehicle, and tank transporter during the Second World War. The Pioneer also had quite an amount of pulling power, thanks, in no short word, to its engine: a low-revving, 105 horsepower Gardner six-cylinder diesel mated to a 6-speed constant-mesh transmission.

Scammell eventually became famed for its three wheeled articulated commercial vehicles, as well as its heavy-duty prime movers, starting off in the early 1930s with the Mechanical Horse. So called because of its capability of getting in and out of enclosed spaces in the same way that a horse-and-cart would, and became a useful addition to the Big Four railway companies in Great Britain, the London and North Eastern, The London, Midland, and Scottish, the Great Western, and the Southern. 14,000 were manufactured during its life span.

Launched in 1948, the Scarab (portmanteau word for Scammell and Arab horse) was essentially built for the same purpose as its predecessor: A three-wheeled articulated commercial vehicle capable of turning around in enclosed areas. But there, the similarities end, as the Scarab had a much more rounded and curvaceous appearance and came with more engine options than its predecessor.

The Rigid 8. Scammell’s first 8×4 unit, powered by a Gardner 6LW six-cylinder engine, of which was mated to a six-speed transmission with overdrive.

The Highwayman, launched in 1954, maintained the company’s long tradition associated with bonneted prime movers.

Launched in 1962, the Routeman II featured a glass-reinforced plastic cab, of which was designed by famed and legendary Italian automotive designer Giovanni Michelotti.

In keeping with their tradition, Scammell launched the Contractor, a 6×4 prime mover unit mainly used as a heavy haulage transporter by the Australian Army, of which were fitted with Cummins diesel engines delivering the best of 335 horsepower. One Contractor, with a 24-wheel float and 16-wheel dolly trailer, was used to transport a Centurion tank.

Conceived as a long-distance hauler capable of moving at high speeds, the Crusader was launched in 1968. The 6×4 unit featured a Detroit Diesel 8V-71 9.3 litre two stoke engine, putting out 273 horsepower, mated to a Fuller RoadRanger 16-speed constant-mesh transmission. This was one of Scammell’s last models built before the company went bust.

Spectruckular Marques: Peterbilt

Founded by plywood manufacturer and lumberman Theodore Alfred Peterman in 1939, Peterbilt has an outstanding reputation for producing stylish, high-quality, heavy duty trucks and has become an American institution. Also, because of their outstanding quality, Peterbilts are often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of trucks”. In short, nothing else can describe this legend of the trucking industry.

Theodore Alfred Peterman, the company’s founder.

The company’s headquarters in Denton, Texas.

One of the company’s first products. A 334 6×4 stake truck.

A 260 4×2 Prime Mover. Another one of the company’ first products, also the first prime mover made by the company.

Launched in 1941, the 270 is an example of a 4×2 unit built for on-highway usage.

Launched in 1949, the 350 was one of Peterbilt’s most popular models in the 1950s and instantaneously became a classic. This is the Conventional model, nicknamed the ‘iron-nose’.

Arguably the most desirable version of Peterbilt’s Model 350: The COE, famously dubbed the ‘Bubblenose’ due to its distinctive styling.

Introduced in 1954, the straightaway classic ‘Needle-Nose’ model, as they are famously dubbed due to their narrow front, was Peterbilt’s longest running model line-up of trucks, spanning 22 years of production. One earned its claim to fame in Steven Spielberg’s first feature film Duel (1971), in which the plot involves a businessman (played by Dennis Weaver) being pursued across the California desert by an insane truck driver in a rusty, grimy old tanker. Of all the trucks that were auditioned, the Peterbilt was chosen, for its anthropomorphic-like front fascia as Spielberg apparently wanted viewers to see the truck itself as the villain. These were also the first models to bear the now iconic red oval logo that has adorned Peterbilts ever since. This particular example is a 351 6×4 flatbed from 1956.

Peterbilt was acquired by industry giant PACCAR in 1958.

When launched in 1959, the 352 Model would become one of Peterbilt’s most famous and most popular cab-over models.

A classic from the start, the 359 was Peterbilt’s first wide-nosed conventional model.

Launched in the early 1980s as a replacement for the venerable 352, the aerodynamic 362 was Peterbilt’s new flagship cab-over model.

The 377, an aerodynamically designed conventional with a lightweight, fibreglass bonnet, of which was launched in late 1986.

Peterbilt’s flagship for a 20 year span, the iconic and classic 379, launched in 1986, became hugely favourable with drivers of Class 8 trucks. The 379 has also become extremely famous in reference to its role as the iconic Autobot leader Optimus Prime in the live-action Transformers movies.

Peterbilt’s next move forward into the aerodynamic sector of the trucking industry, the 387 also featured the company’s first integrated sleeper cab, as well as being the company’s most technologically-advanced design at the time.

The replacement for the legendary 379, the 389 is the company’s new flagship conventional for the 21st century. This particular model, the Pride and Class Special Edition, was built in 2014 to commemorate 75 years of Peterbilt’s history as a maker of high-quality trucks and also features some styling trademarks from models of yesteryear.

Yet another step forward for Peterbilt in the aerodynamic sector, the 587 was also the first truck in the industry to come with air disc brakes as standard.

Featuring a very wide, spacious cab, and larger windscreen for better visibility, the 579 is Peterbilt’s latest aerodynamic contribution and lives up to the company’s reputation.

Spectruckular Marques: Mack

 

Founded by brothers Jack and Augustus Mack in 1900 as Mack Brothers Company, Mack has become an industry leader, producing some of the world’s toughest, durable, reliable, well-made trucks. Mack first earned their reputation for building tough and durable trucks when during the First World War, the company supplied the British Army on the front lines with the AC Model, to which the British Army nicknamed the ‘Bulldog Mack’ for its tapered bonnet, durability, toughness, and capability of working in rough environments, not to mention the bulldog being a symbol of Great Britain at the time. So thus, the bulldog became the main adornment on Mack Trucks that would follow on for many decades right up to the present day. Although now owned by Swedish giant Volvo AB, Mack continues to live up to its reputation.

Jack and Augustus Mack, the company’s founders.

Brooklyn, New York. Where the company was founded in 1900.

Allentown, Pennsylvania. Where Mack’s headquarters were located between 1905 and 2009.

Greensboro, North Carolina. Where Mack’s headquarters are currently located.

Mack’s first high volume offering was the AB Model, introduced in 1914.

Launched in 1916, the chain-driven AC Model was the truck that established Mack’s reputation. 40,000 AC Models were built during its lifespan, of which 6,000 were supplied to the American and British armies during the First World War. Note the tapered bonnet, of which earned it the nickname ‘Bulldog Mack’ by the British Army, not to mention its tough, durable chassis and reliability, of which made the AC capable of working in difficult environments. AC Model Macks were also involved during the construction of Boulder Dam.

Although not as famous as the AC Model, the Early B Series models were Mack’s first response to the large capacity market. Over 15,000 were produced between 1927 and 1941.

First carved by Mack’s chief engineer Alfred Fellows Masury in 1932, the bulldog would go on to become the prime adornment that would be featured on Mack trucks from 1932 right up to the present day.

Mack played a key role to help the war effort during the Second World War, producing heavy-duty models for the Allied countries.

Introduced in 1947, the LT conventional lineup of trucks was one of Mack’s first post-war offerings and was aimed at buyers on the West Coast of the United States.

Launched in 1952 and one of Mack’s first contributions to the cab-over market, the H-Series was also dubbed ‘Cherrypicker’ in reference to its tall cab.

Launched in 1953, the B Model would undoubtedly become one of Mack’s most famous, successful and popular models, with its stylish proportions and advanced Thermodyne inline six, an engine featuring open chambers and direct injection, making it not only very efficient, but also powerful in terms of diesel performance. Because of its massive popularity, over 127,786 B Models were built during its 13 year span between 1953 and 1966, and many are still being used today.

Introduced in 1962, the F Model was Mack’s third generation cabover model range.

The company’s replacement for the ever so popular B Model, the R Series, making its debut in 1966, became one of the industry’s most popular heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. 1966 also saw the release of Mack’s revolutionary Maxidyne inline six diesel engine.

Released in 1975, the Cruise-Liner was Mack’s fourth generation of cabover trucks. This example here is an Australasian-spec Cruise-Liner fitted with square headlights to comply with local law.

Launched in 1977, with its boldly designed exterior and heavy hauling capabilities whilst providing the ultimate in luxury conveniences for the driver, the iconic Super-Liner further maintained Mack’s reputation for toughness and reliability, and has become a cult classic in the industry ever since. The Super-Liner also earned its claim to fame as the character Mack from the popular Disney-Pixar franchise Cars.

In 1982, Mack launched their fifth generation of cabover models, the MH Ultra-Liner, of which consisted of the trucking industry’s first truly successful all-fibreglass, metal cage-reinforced cab.

Introduced in 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Vision, a premium highway prime mover, featured sleek, aerodynamic proportions, was very advanced in terms of leading-edge technology, and offered drivers the comfort they wanted whilst hauling big loads.

The Swedish giant Volvo AB took over Mack in 2000 and Mack became a subsidiary of the company.

A year after the Volvo takeover, Mack launched their then new Granite class 8 model range, designed as a rigid for local construction, waste removal, and other vocational jobs, as well as including a prime mover body style (as seen here). Still being built in the present day, the Granite is another of Mack’s long running line ups of trucks.

2008 saw the launch of the heavy-duty Titan. Powered by Mack’s largest six-cylinder motor, of which consists of 16 litres, with the 605bhp variant being the most powerful of them all, the mighty Titan did more than keep Mack’s reputation intact. However, production ceased in 2017 despite its popularity.

Mack’s latest product, the class 8 highway-going Anthem, features a new aerodynamic design along with a bold image that hugely improves efficiency.

 

Spectruckular Marques: Albion

Founded in 1899 and perhaps Scotland’s most major contribution to the motor industry, Albion (the ancient term for England, deriving from the Latin word “albus”, meaning white, in reference to the White Cliffs of Dover) had developed a reputation for building rugged and reliable commercial vehicles, of which were competing against those from Foden. The models consisted of: Claymore (named after a sword that was used by Scottish Highlanders), Chieftain (named after a supreme ruler of a clan, particularly a Scottish clan),  Caledonian (derived from the word Caledonia, the Roman term for Scotland), Clydesdale (the old-fashioned word for the county of Lanarkshire in Scotland), and Clansman (person associated with a clan). The company was also famous for their slogan “Sure as the Sunrise”. Although today, Albion is now a subsidiary of axle manufacturer American Axle & Manufacturing, the company will always be remembered for their rugged and reliable motors and as a Scottish institution.

Scotstoun, Glasgow. Where Albion was founded in 1899.

Albion’s first motor vehicle, an A1 8 HP twin-cylinder Dogcart from 1900.

Although best renowned for producing commercial vehicles, Albion, at one point, did make cars, of which this 24/30 HP Tourer with a 3.1 litre, 4-cylinder motor was the most powerful of.

The model that put Albion on the map as a manufacturer of rugged and dependable commercial vehicles was the four-cylinder, chain-driven A10, manufactured in 1910 right up to 1926. 6000 A10s were built for the war effort during the First World War.

The KL127, introduced in 1935, became one of the company’s most successful four-wheeled commercial products.

In the late 1930s, Albion made their contribution to the heavy-weight market with the CX model line-up. This particular one is a CX7 8×4 tanker unit.

One of the company’s most successful post-war offerings was the Chieftain FT37 range. This is a 4×2 FT37A flatbed unit.

From 1951 right up to 1980 (the year the marque went defunct), Albions were no more than just rebadged Leylands and AECs.

In 1998, Albion was taken over by American Axle & Manufacturing of Detroit, Michigan, and has become a subsidiary of the company since.

 

Spectruckular Marques: Foden

Originally founded in 1856 by one Edwin Foden, the company first had a reputation in the 19th and early 20th century for building steam wagons, traction engines, and other types of agricultural machinery, some of which were the finest in the industry. But in the early 1930s, Foden moved on to diesel power and since then has become one of the UK’s top notch manufacturers of diesel-powered commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, however, the company disappeared into the pages of history in 2006 after 150 years in existence, making Foden one of the oldest names in the industry.

The company’s founder, Edwin Foden.

Sandbach, Cheshire. Where the company was founded in 1856.

In the 19th and early 20th century, Foden first had a reputation for building some of the finest steam powered commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery in the world.

An example of a Foden traction engine. Built in 1920 and named Rob Roy, after famous Scottish outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.

After many years of building steam powered vehicles, Foden moved on to produce diesel powered commercial vehicles in the early 1930s. This F1 Prototype, on display at the Science Museum in London, was the company’s first diesel powered truck and regarded as the first “commercially successful type of diesel lorry”.

Foden’s FG model range was one of the most popular in the 1950s. This particular model, the 8/40, was just such an example. Powered by an 8-litre Gardner 8LW straight eight diesel, putting out 180 horsepower at the lowest of 1700 rpm, whilst mated to Foden’s twin-stick twelve-speed transmission. All of this was provided for the 8/40’s sheer ability to haul extremely heavy loads. This example shifted earthmoving equipment in central New South Wales in the mid 1950s.

After Foden’s arch rival ERF’s KV (Kleer Vue) Series came on the scene in 1952 with its ultra modern cab, of which had made Foden’s FG model look ordinary by comparison, Foden needed a model that would rival ERF’s KV Series for style. The S20 was just such the answer. Launched in 1956 with a much more rounded and stylish cab than its squared predecessor, the S20 ensured that Foden had caught up, stylistically, to ERF’s KV Series. This particular S20 is special. Note the grill, of which has been extended in order to accommodate a huge Rolls-Royce engine!

After the stylish S20, Foden went one step further with what is quite arguably their most famous model: The S21. Launched in 1958, and earning the nicknames ‘Spaceship Sputnik’ and more famously ‘Mickey Mouse’ due to its distinct and ultra-modern proportions, the S21 was considered the most attractive of all the post-war models that rolled off the production line. But there’s more to the S21 than just appearance, as it also consisted of the first cab in the industry to be made of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). In short, it set new standards for the industry.

In 1980, Foden went into receivership and was acquired by the American giant PACCAR, thus becoming a division of that company.

The Alpha, essentially a re-badged DAF CF (as DAF is also a subsidiary of PACCAR) , was the company’s last model line-up before it disappeared into the pages of history for good.

 

Spectruckular Marques: Freightliner

One of the most respected names in the trucking industry, Freightliner has been building trucks for over 75 years, and this year celebrated their anniversary. Back where it all started in 1942, CEO and founder Leland James, who had been a truck driver since his late ‘teens, wanted a truck that would meet his own efficiency standards. In other words, he wanted something that was light, durable, and that had better ride quality than what other truck manufacturers were building, not to mention a higher payload. So, James came up with the idea of building a cab-over prime mover that consisted of a lightweight aluminium cab that would be capable of hauling 1 ton loads. It was a huge success, and thus leading Freightliner to making a name for itself as a builder of heavy duty Class 8 aluminium-cabbed highway haulers, and also the only North American truck manufacturer to operate a full-scale wind tunnel.

Leland James. The CEO and founder of Freightliner.

Portland, Oregon. Where Freightliner’s headquarters are located.

This is an example of what Leland James wanted: A prime mover that featured an all alloy cab and that was also capable of hauling 1 ton loads on America’s highways. These were nicknamed ‘Bubblenose’ due to the distinctive presence of the cab, and were the lightest trucks on the road at the time.

The boldly designed and muscular FLC 112 conventional, the model that established Freightliner as a top notch name in the Australian market.

The FLD. Introduced in 1987, this was Freightliner’s first aerodynamic prime mover that was among America’s best selling Class 8 trucks at the time. This particular one is an FLD 120, with a fully integrated 70″ sleeper cab that provided plenty of standing room.

In the mid 1990s, the aerodynamically styled Century Class was introduced as a more luxurious alternative to other Class 8 trucks and with very technological advancements to boot.

A Pikes Peak prepped Century Class.

Introduced in 1998, the Argosy was the first cab-over unit to incorporate a flat floor design, as well as the trucking industry’s first electrically assisted articulated steps, thus making for easier cab entry and exiting.

The Cascadia. Freightliner’s undisputed flagship model for the 21st century, and the industry’s best selling Class 8 truck.